Page 70 of Storm Warning

“Last I heard he was being airlifted to UW Medical Center. Still alive.”

“Where are you taking us?” she asked.

“We’re heading back to the marina and dropping you off. I need to get your statements, please.”

They each shared the events as they’d unfolded, but Hawk never mentioned that Cole was his brother, and the sergeant didn’t ask questions that would require him to reveal he even knew who Cole was. That made him curious about what John had said, if he’d said anything at all to them. Hawk had taken off after Cole and Remi as soon as he could. Cole was a ghost, and if he took Remi, she’d be lost for good. Hawk didn’t feel right about leaving John, but at the same time, he had to save Remi. Though that decision had been excruciating, it really wasn’t that hard to make. Remi needed him. His friend had remained strong, though in pain, and Hawk had done all he could do for him. John had also urged Hawk after Remi, even as he was already halfway out the door.

Hawk had exited the house in time to watch Cole speeding away in what Hawk had previously assumed was John’s boat.

“Why were you there to see Mr. Marshall?”

“He’s my old CO. A friend.” And that’s all Hawk would say. He wasn’t obligated to share more. Hawk half feared that he and Remi would be detained for more questioning.

Medford might have read his mind. “Marshall told us his version of what happened, and it jibes with yours.”

Hawk would share the facts as he knew them, but he wouldn’t answer questions that hadn’t been asked or volunteer information. The Harbor Patrol dropped Hawk and Remi off at the marina where Hawk had left his vehicle. The police were out in full force to capture Cole Mercer.

Hawk’s brother.

He’d seen Cole in action. Seen it with his own eyes. For John to tell them he’d been shot was one thing, but for Hawk to see it was another. Cole had fired at him as well, but he’d merely been throwing down cover so he could exit and escape with Remi. Hawk should take some comfort in the fact Cole hadn’t killed her and so he wanted her alive for the moment. But for how long?

Inside the vehicle, Hawk cranked up the heat and let it idle.

Shame flooded him. Shame and grief.God, I don’t even know what to think or do.His goal had always been to find his brother so he could somehow pull him back from the edge and save him. Then his mission had shifted to add keeping Remi safe as they searched for answers.

Hanging his head, he released a heavy exhale.

He felt hollowed out.

Maybe Hawk wasn’t the person to save Cole, and he wasn’t sure anyone besides God could.

God, are you listening? This isn’t who Cole is. Please, save him!

Because I don’t know what I’m going to do if he stays on this path or gets killed and is lost forever.

Remi had been quiet the entire time. She was likely in shock, and his concern for her kicked up. If only he could just take her back to the lodge and she could return to her life. The life she lived there in an effort to hide from all this.

Admit it. You have no idea what you’re doing.Hawk squeezed the bridge of his nose. Then he reached over and lifted her chin. Turned her face toward him so he could see her eyes. A bold move on his part. “Are you okay?”

But he knew she wasn’t. How could she be? He dropped his hand, but she kept her face turned toward him, her eyes locked with his. Her breaths quickened and his fear ratcheted up.

“What is it?” he asked. “What’s the matter?”

“We’re in a lot of trouble,” she said. “More danger than we thought.”

As if the news of Operation Blackout weren’t enough. “Why do you say that?”

“Because ... it’s all coming back to me.”

29

Memories bombarded her, rushed at her, igniting emotions, and filling her with dread. A hammer beat her head and she pressed her fingertips against her temples as if the action could stop the pain. Her chest constricted as she tried to breathe, but fear and terror paralyzed her.

Hawk gently grabbed her arms. “Take a deep breath. Just calm down.”

The images ... everything that had happened hit her all at once as if a curtain had suddenly lifted to reveal what had been hidden in her mind this whole time. Those memories had always been there, just beyond the veil, but she hadn’t been able to access them.

“Remi, look at me. It’s going to be okay.”

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